Calgary

Canada, North America

Calgary, known for its western charm and vibrant cultural scene, is a gateway to the stunning Canadian Rockies. It hosts the world-renowned Calgary Stampede, an expansive outdoor festival celebrating rodeo and cowboy culture every July. With its rich culinary landscape, bustling arts scene, and proximity to Banff and Lake Louise, Calgary attracts adventurers and urban explorers alike. Year-round, you can experience the allure of this city, from winter sports to summer festivals, all within a dynamic metropolitan setting.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

City

Vibe

Active

Airport

Calgary

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Calgary

1

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit the Calgary Stampede

Experience the world's largest outdoor rodeo festival.

No booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Calgary Zoo

Meet unique wildlife in a beautifully designed habitat.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Walk through Prince's Island Park

Stroll through lush greenery along the Bow River.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Calgary Tower

Get panoramic views of the city and mountains.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Glenbow Museum

Discover art and history showcasing Alberta's culture.

No booking required
6

Est. 5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Hike in Kananaskis Country

Experience breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit Heritage Park Historical Village

Step back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum.

No booking required
8

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Enjoy world-class music performances in a stunning venue.

Booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Shop at Stephen Avenue Walk

Explore shops, restaurants, and entertainment in downtown.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Calgary Science Centre

Engage with interactive exhibits and science displays.

No booking required
11

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend the Beakerhead Festival

Celebrate art, science, and engineering in unique installations.

No booking required
12

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local cuisine at Calgary's food trucks

Enjoy diverse flavors from Calgary's vibrant food truck scene.

No booking required
13

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Bow River pathway

Bike or walk along the scenic Bow River pathways.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~15-20%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Canadian Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Poutine

V

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy (National dish)

Tourtière

Savory meat pie from Quebec

Montreal-style Bagels

VE

Chewy, sesame-seeded bagels from Montreal

Butter Tarts

V

Sweet pastry filled with butter and sugar

Nanaimo Bars

V

Layered dessert bar with chocolate and custard

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)